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Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd

Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd

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Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
5
#8 of 29 Food & Drink in Napier
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursBeer Tastings & ToursSightseeing ToursWine Tours & Tastings
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a family owned and operated Local Tour company. We specialize in private and small group local tours, including Cruise Ship Shore Excursions. These tours offer Sightseeing, Art Deco, City history, also Wine and Wine and Brewery Tours. This is truly a fantastic region to visit. Napier was completely destroyed in 1931 by a 7.8 earthquake, and rebuilt in the style of the day, mainly Art Deco and Spanish Mission. Napier, along with the Hawkes Bay region, has been a secret for too long, discover it today with us.
Napier, New Zealand
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles424 reviews
Excellent
370
Very good
41
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Patrice T
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Te Kupenga Hauora - Ahuriri (Kahui Pakeke Group)
May 2022
our group of x25 Kaumatua had a lovely time with John and maggie.

John and maggie were friendly, hospitable, informative and engaging, great sense of humour and an overall great time.

We would highly recommend their services to others who may wish to enjoy a similar experience.

We did a bus ride around the beautiful sites of Napier followed by a wine tasting at the Mission Estate......

Then we had a high tea at John and Mggies beautiful residence.

We had an absolute blast!
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Patricet: Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. This is much appreciated. I look forward to another outing in the future. Thanks again for your company. - John
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Icychick
Victoria, Canada76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A must-do in Hawkes Bay
Jan 2024 • Couples
What a great way to spend a day in Hawkes Bay.

Stuart picked us up at our lodgings and the day began.
We shared our tour with another couple and it was a lot of fun tasting and sampling the wines of the region. We visited 4 wineries, certainly learned lots, sampled lots and saw some beautiful country.

We would definitely recommend this tour, it’s small, personal and great value.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Icychick: Thank you for your fantastic review. I love it when clients say... "We would definitely recommend this tour, it’s small, personal and great value". Thank you again - John
Written 5 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margied489
Ocala, FL12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic Excursion
Apr 2023
All communications with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours were prompt and informative. When asked about their tours involving wine tasting, John wrote "I am pleased to say that we are able to assist you as requested with either tour. I think our CSWBT (Cruise Ship Wine, Beer and Art Deco Tour) will likely be the best fit as this includes the wine option." He was spot on!

We knew we would have an excellent day of touring Napier when we met Roy, our driver and guide. Before we left the pick up point, Roy gave us a thorough background of the area which was very beneficial. We were able to see many of the Art Deco buildings and residences in the area. We visited two wineries and an ale house ...the wines were all very good and our selection of one cider and three beers from the ale house area were outstanding. These were not small samples by any means! I cannot say enough good things about this tour and Roy - if I could give 10 stars, I would.

I encourage you to reserve with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours for a wonderful adventure in Napier.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Margie, Thank you taking the time out to write a fantastic review. One gets a feel when speaking to clients about the best fit from our selection of tours. I am very pleased it was a success for you. Roy, your guide on the day has been with us for many years and is a local from birth. His knowledge is great and he loves taking the tours. Thank you again - John
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lorettaw514
San Ramon, CA16 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Great tour, but be careful if you book directly
Jan 2023 • Friends
Due to the fact that our ship was in port for a shorter time and we could not partake in the full Art Deco, winery and brewery experience, we negotiated a shortened tour with this company outside of trip advisor. The owner promised to charge less due to the fact that the tour was shortened and we visited only one winery and brewery and had a driving tour of the Art Deco buildings. We were charged full price and the owner has not responded to multiple requests for a price adjustment.

Had the business end worked out, I would have given this tour a 5 star.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Loretta. I am sorry to see that you were unhappy. I note on my records that you were on a sightseeing tour, and not a Wine tour as above. I also note there is some confusion around the use of the word refund. I have just pulled up all our emails. This followed your concerns around the shorter shore times. (shore times had been changing). In our email to you on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 5:48 PM, we wrote (cut and pasted here..)......" If on the day, when you arrive, there is NOT enough time and we cannot complete the tour, a full refund will be issued". We had the time and we presented the tour in its entirety to you. This review is the ONLY correspondence from you since your email accepting the tour on the 24th Dec 2022. Your tour was the 22nd Jan 2023. Again, according to what I have found in my emails, I have NOT heard from you nor had any requests at all for a refund from you. I am disappointed that you did not contact us at all to discuss this matter. - John
Written 15 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Irene A
2 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I do not recommend this tour
Dec 2017 • Friends
Three of us in my family took this tour and we all agree that it was poor. The driver tried to be nice but after a while we got sick of his sexist jokes. He also had the nerve to use the first 40 minutes of the tour to park on the side of the road and show us pictures and talk about the damage that Napier suffered from an earthquake in 1931. This was a "sight seeing tour" and not a lecture.The countryside was beautiful and Hawkes bay was lovely but so much time was taken up with the "lecture" and with unnecessary stops to look at the livestock and other unimportant things, such as the mural painted on a public bathroom, that we had little time to enjoy the magnificent views.Then there was the tour of the art deco houses which was interesting at first, but the driver stopped at every house in a large neighborhood and gave us his personal opinion about each house. It became tedious.Then we drove around the town in circles, around and around the main shopping district and square for 45 minutes to an hour. The fifth time around the town square and past the firehouse and church, we all agreed, made us feel as though we were in the movie Ground Hog Day. We felt like prisoners on the bus and could not get off of it sooner. I feel guilty writing such things but all three of us felt this way and felt that people should know. I do NOT recommend this tour.
Review of: Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour
Written 17 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Veganesthetist: I am not sure how to reply to your comments.. It is as though your were on another tour. Yes, we stop for 10 - 15 minutes (MAX) to show people what Art Deco is, (why take a tour if you don't understand what Art Deco is??) and explain via images how Napier was an Island before the huge earthquake and the changes following. We show you buildings pre-quake so you can compare on while taking the tour. I am sorry if you were not interested in the history and understanding the back story.... everyone else was... Most of the items you have noted.. photos of Llamas, sheep, pigs, cattle, vineyards, fantastic valley views and so much more are hugely popular stops - as I advertise in the itinerary. To finish.. You mention that I give my personal opinion and stop outside every house.. come on... The review immediately below, was written and posted ahead of this review, and they were on the very same tour as yourself. Their review was extremely positive and complimentary... For those reading this review and my comments, we are the most awarded tour operator in the area, having the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2013 - since it became available.This is achieved by consistently delivering excellent tours, - John
Written 12 March 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula
Biggleswade, UK41 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sad tour with Maori discrimination built in :-(
Feb 2017 • Couples
Wine and beer tour purchased as a kind gift -- being previous residents of Napier we looked forward to seeing it from a tourists perspective - 3 other couples joined us on the tour - from U.K. , Sweden and USA .. Maggie our guide did not factually give out all the correct info - the tour did not touch on any Maori culture and portrayed Napier as a white only population - when Maggie asked us what we thought of the new pier - I replied and said it would look nicer with mosaics or Maori designs - her response through her microphone for all to hear was 'mosaics-yes , Maori decisions no -We were here first ' . Wow what a discriminatory statement - for all to hear - would Tourism NZ agree with this view ? She also shared her opinion for all to hear about the Tongan and overseas fruit pickers coming to work in Napier as in her view 'some people don't want to work ' !! Really -- perhaps some people in the Bay are from a lower socioeconomic background to Maggie and have different life chances -- to be fair I was insulated by her opinions and feel sad that beautiful Napier is being portrayed from this perspective --
The tour visited Church Rd winery - beautiful and a lovely tour - then out to Crossroads - then to the Chocolate factory cafe - where Maggie suggested we don't order salad as it takes too long to prepare (?) then back to the Mission - which was very busy - there are so many many many wineries which are all pretty local and so many beautiful places for lunch -- it's a shame we went to the most local / busiest ones --and a cafe for lunch - after all we had plenty of time on the tour - even time for a tour down Taradale High street and past Maggie's road where she offers B&B -- (???? ) .
As for the beer tasting - which my friend told us he had purchased for my husband - Maggie appeared to forget this until one couple asked about it - so off we went to the Speights bar -- a pretty nice pub -but from the seating outside you look at a car park ?! We gave advice to a couple to walk around the corner where you find staggering views ...well no beer tasting arrived -- we just bought our own as to save the embarrassment of asking for our 6 tasters --- so my advice is Tourism NZ needs a 'mystery shopper' - pl don't just take my word or opinion for this very sad and disrespectful tour which made no reflection on NZ having more than one white culture . If you really want to learn about Napier and don't want to hear one persons view and opinion all day - then choose a different company -- I was glad when the tour was over -- and the sad thing is I don't even think our tour guide had any idea that her views were not relevant for a tourist trip - - I had to laugh as I reflected on the trip -- as we were driving through fields with no specific points of interesting and I was talking to another person on the bus (as was a couple behind us having a conversation at the same time ) - Maggie told me off like a kid on a school trip for talking -- took me back to being six years old ! She obviously couldn't hear the American couple chatting so they didn't get a telling off -- never been told off by a tour guide before !!
I do hope this honest and thoughtful review is taking with the honesty it's shared with - and I do hope Maggie picks a different career or opens her mind to living in a multi cultural society .
Written 26 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Treasure Island, FL37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Well Worth It. Te Mata Peak is Amazing
Dec 2018 • Couples
This was nice tour, with plenty of time to wander the city and get back to the ship. We had a good driver, very informative and there was plenty of time at all the stops to take pictures and take in the views. If anything, I wish we'd have seen a little more of the art deco in Napier, but no complaints.
Review of: Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour
Written 22 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi JohnC: Thank you for your great review. I am pleased you enjoyed your Napier shore excursion with us. As you are sometimes in port for a very short time, as your were this day, it is a juggling act for us to deliver a tour that everyone is happy with and the correct proportions for all. We do try to allow at least an hour at the completion of the tour for you all to walk up and around the main shopping areas before boarding the shuttle back to your ship. I am pleased that you enjoyed your tour with us on the day. - John
Written 1 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MervDrew
Frome, UK53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Shore excursion
We decided to book this tour in the UK before our cruise. As looking at the ships tours this was good value for money we were not disappointed. A small bus excellent driver in John and very enjoyable we certainly learnt the history of the area. Perhaps the only fault was too much of the decor of some of the houses. Impressive.
Review of: Shore Excursion: 4-Hour Discover Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour
Written 31 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi MervDrew: Thank you for your great review.. they are always appreciated. The tour you choose in my opinion, is the most popular pre-booked tour in Napier on any given ship day (for many years) and we are proud to state this. Yes, the fantastic countryside and scenic locations etc are all fantastic and the Art Deco of course is unique in the world. This is the reason why we drive through an Art Deco Housing Estate. The house drive is just 2 streets at a slower pace for the many that wish to take photographs. I do appreciate your comment as while this is hugely popular for most, it may not be everyone's favorite subject. Overall, this portion is hugely popular. I can tell be the amount of requests to stop for photos and listening to the very quiet van or small coach and seeing everyone against the windows taking dozens of memorable photos. Again, thank you for your review - John
Written 12 March 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy K
Singapore, Singapore95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Perfect start to our vacation in Hawkes Bay Area
Jul 2017
From the time I wrote to inquire about tours during winter till the time we completed our tour, everything has been wonderful. John always went far and beyond. He not only answered my questions, he would sometimes suggest better alternatives. John had arranged a perfect half day tour for my sister and I. It was a perfect afternoon and the best way to start our 4-day stay in the area. It was supposed to be a tour to highlight the key attractions but John did so much more! It was a while learning experience and it was fun as well. John shared so much history and information about the places we covered. We are so happy with our tour we booked another afternoon with John. Thank you for making it so wonderful and memorable for us.
Written 28 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi Wendy K: Thank you for taking the time to write your fantastic review. I really do appreciate receiving reviews. This is how we can grow our small business and get to know that what we are doing is what our clients expect. I do recall your tour and yes, we all had a great day and the weather was good to us. I am glad that you saw all that you expected to see and some, as I recall. I do like to hear that the tours we present meet and exceed your expectations, so thank you again for your review. Safe travels. - John
Written 29 July 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scoobydiver
Toronto32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Half Day of Napier
Apr 2017 • Couples
We were picked up by John and started our tour. I had requested that we need to sit in the front and John actually had seats reserved for us in the front of the van. Took us right around surrounding areas of Napier. Incredible scenery. Went up to top of Te Mata. John had brought along fresh apples from his home. It was delicious and sweet. Thanks John for a great day.
Written 19 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Hi scoobydiver: Thank you so much for taking the time to write this great review. Yes, requesting the front seat is a simple request and so easy to accommodate. People have their reasons for this request and we are all about making your tour the best tour possible. The scenery is fantastic and yes, we deliver things on our tours that people don't expect and this makes us a very popular choice. Thank you again for your review - John
Written 21 May 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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